System and method for creation of automated content dependent procedures in an online environment

ABSTRACT

There is provided a system and method for creating automated content dependent procedures in an online environment, wherein the user will be able to create graphical objects representing a collection of operations and desired online services, wherein both the editing operations and desired online services are associated with a specific type file, preferably a file type of a data file. The process is based on selection of a file type by the user and is illustrated to the user by a graphical user interface containing the content dependent information. With this approach the user will be able to create automated procedures for processing of computer file types.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED CASES

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/895,013 filed on Mar. 15, 2007, and incorporatessaid provisional application by reference into this disclosure as iffully set out at this point.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of data processingand distribution over the Internet. More particularly, but not by way oflimitation, the present invention relates to processes by which a usercan interact with files in an online environment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is well known that the means by which a user interacts with acomputer are much different today than they were was even a few yearsago. Each component part of the user interface (including, e.g., theoperating system) has undergone a tremendous evolution in functionalityin the time since the first personal computer appeared. Although todaythings are much better than they were in the era of command-lineinterfaces, the current metaphor for dealing with the operating system,i.e., the desktop metaphor, is at least 20 years old.

The desktop metaphor has become the predominant method of allowing auser to interact with a computer. This visual approach to filemanipulation was adopted early on by operating systems from Atari®,Amiga®, and Macintosh® and continues today in virtually every modernoperating system. The many advantages of using a desktop-based approachshould be clear to anyone who has ever used such. Among those advantagesare, that the user need not memorize a complex command syntax as isrequired, for example, in Unix; that individual files are easily locatedand manipulated (e.g., copied, deleted, duplicated, etc.), that thedesktop metaphor is well suited to use with a mouse or other pointingdevice, and that the workings of the software desktop in many ways mimicthe user's physical desktop which makes training a user who is new tothis approach much easier than it might be otherwise, etc.

The desktop is the point of entry for the typical user who seeks toaccess and manipulate data and content on his or her personal computer.As has been mentioned previously, the desktop has also undergone avariety of developmental steps, wherein the core functions remained moreor less unchanged, but additional functionality has been added. Thefunctionality improvements depend, at least to some extent, on theoperating system in question and include, introduction of the “dock”(Mac OS X™), the taskbar (Windows®), the quick launch bar (Windows®),and the use of small information aggregating programs (Widgets/Gadgets)that are connected to the Internet to provide the user with dynamicinformation regarding the weather, stocks, etc.

In recent years the Internet has developed into a global medium forcommunication of data to the point where its importance in the everydaylives of its users has grown to levels comparable to those of TV, radioor print media. This development can be attributed to the evolution ofthe Internet from a simple network which was devoted solely to thetransfer of academic publications and data into a network via which allsorts of multimedia and other data (e.g., video, audio, etc.) areavailable and transferable.

This transformation of the Internet into a medium that is readilyaccessible by the consumer has led businesses onto the Internet.Initially, these companies were only interested in displaying theircompany contact information on their website. However, today there is amass migration of business interests onto the Internet which, in extremecases, has resulted in businesses that have no presence outside of thatnetwork. Obvious examples of such businesses include Google® and Yahoo®,whose main business is the provision of search services to the userwhich is funded, of course, by the sale of advertisements/placement ofadvertisements that a user views along with their search results.

Of course, the previous examples are not the only companies that haveadopted the “whole-business-into-the-Internet” model. Salesforce® forexample is providing hosted software solutions to its customers. Amazon®is another well-known company that does not have a brick and mortarpresence and is reachable by its customers only via the Internet.Further, familiar desktop applications are similarly being migrated ontothe Internet. Applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, andcalendars, etc., which have traditionally been desktop-based arebecoming increasingly available via the Internet. The pricing model ofthis sort of software is in flux with pay-per-use models and low cost(or free) open-source products being made available via this approach.

The net result of many of these developments has been a gradual shiftaway from the well-known local desktop approach toward applications thatare hosted via the Internet. For purpose of the instant application, theterm “hosted form” will be used to describe the provision of software tothe user via the Internet, wherein the software is stored on a server.This model relieves the user of the constraints imposed by a local,static desktop, and instead places the user in an environment where heor she is no longer bound by desktop specific usage rules.

A logical next step in this process has been the development of socalled web-tops or web-desktops. Web-desktops represent the online formof the standard computer desktop that the user is already familiar withand typically feature well-known functions that are available within thestandard desktop such as a mouse-based user interface, and access tofamiliar software applications (e.g., calculator, email, wordprocessing, media player), etc. Web-desktops utilize the familiar“desktop” metaphor as a means of allowing a user to access the Internet.The advantage of this approach is that it combines currently availableapplications and products with a familiar graphical user interface.Thus, this approach combines the features of the Internet (including thehosted applications) with applications that are generally desktop-basedlocal applications. Additionally, this approach makes availablefunctions which are associated with online activity such as instantmessaging, chat, file sharing, the processing and sharing of multimediadata, etc.

Multimedia data, and applications for creating and processing same, arebecoming increasingly prevalent. The reasons for the increased use andavailability of multimedia data are numerous but hardware developmentsare a major contributing factor. Digital cameras, digital video cameras,mobile phones with digital cameras and mobile music players all provideincreased opportunities for the user to create and consume a vast amountof digital multimedia data. Improved connectivity to the Internet andcoupled with the ready availability of hardware have helped fuel theboom in processing and presentation of multimedia data.

In any case, today the Internet is a major entry point into a multimediaecosystem, with websites for video, digital photos, music readilyavailable by the user. These sorts of websites can perform manyfunctions for the user, from simple viewing of multimedia material tocreating, managing and presenting existing content, etc. There are manyonline websites or services that offer, for example, photo sharing andmanagement of user-originated digital information, e.g., for photoprinting, video sharing, website creation and music evaluation, etc.However, these sorts of services require the user to provide logininformation as a prerequisite to obtaining service. Additionally, afterlogin, a strict and complex protocol must be thereafter followed beforea user can utilize that functionality. For example, consider the casewhere the user wishes to publish digital photos via an online photosharing service. He or she will typically have to execute some or all ofthe following steps:

-   -   Select an online service;    -   Select the digital photos that are to be published;    -   Edit the selected digital photos (if that has not been done        already), which might include cropping, scaling, addition of        effects, adjusting the contrast settings or brightness settings,        etc.;    -   Change the image format or resolution/size if the selected        online service requires it (e.g., the images might be stored on        the user's computer as a JPEG file, whereas the online service        requires TIF);    -   Upload the properly sized and formatted images to the service.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a similar seriesof steps may be necessary when accessing a video sharing site,photoprinting service, etc.

The large number of online services, each of which requires its ownindividualized protocol, and the large number of steps that are requiredin order to utilize each service tend to make the process strenuous anddifficult for the user. Additionally, if multiple files are to besubmitted it may be necessary to repeat some or all of theabove-identified steps for each individual file.

Thus, what is needed is a method that eliminates the above describedproblems, which features an approach that allows the user to quicklygenerate automated processes which allow the user to reduce the effortrequired to publish or process multimedia data over the Internet.

Accordingly it should now be recognized, as was recognized by thepresent inventors, that there exists, and has existed for some time, avery real need for a system and method that would address and solve theabove-described problems.

Before proceeding to a description of the present invention, however itshould be noted and remembered that the description of the inventionwhich follows, together with the accompanying drawings, should not beconstrued as limiting the invention to the examples (or preferredembodiments) shown and described. This is so because those skilled inthe art to which the invention pertains will be able to devise otherforms of the invention within the ambit of the appended claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is provided herein a system and method for the creation ofautomated content dependent procedures in an online environment, whereinin the preferred embodiment the online environment will consist of oneor more Internet based web-desktops which operate over the Internet. Inthe preferred embodiment, the instant invention provides a user with amethod of quickly defining a sequence of actions/editing operations andselecting an arbitrary number of individual online services for theprocessing/distribution of digital data files. The process preferably iscontrolled via a graphical user interface wherein the component parts ofthe interface will vary depending on the selected type of data file. Theinstant system preferably allows the user to quickly create pre-definedworkflows regarding the transmission and use of different data filetypes. This will enable the user to specify the series of steps that arerequired to publish a specific data file. The instant method willfurther allow the user to automate the required steps in case the userwishes to publish additional files. In a preferred arrangement, the userwill only be provided with program options that are specific to theselected data file type. Through the use of such a graphical userinterface, the user will be able to create individual representations ofautomated procedures for individual data file types. The system isdesigned to help the user cope with a wide variety of multimedia filesand data file types and to help cope with the great number of availableonline services and the different operational requirements of each ofthese online services.

In brief, the instant invention will allow a user to create automatedcontent dependent procedures via the web-desktop or other operatingsystem interfaces. The instant invention will preferably be provided tothe user in the form of a computer program (web-desktop) that has agraphical user interface which is content dependent. For purposes of theinstant disclosure, “content dependent” will mean that the executingsoftware provides individualized procedures for different data filetypes. It should be noted that the instant invention is not limited inits use to any specific data file type. However, the instant inventionis ideally suited for use with multimedia data.

In a preferred arrangement, the user-created procedures will comprise amixture of actions and editing operations that are to be performed uponthe selected data file type. The procedures might additionally implementtasks related to the functionality of each online service. The preferredgraphical user interface will provide options that are presented to theuser depending on the input data file type. The user will preferably notbe limited to the selection of only one action and/or editing operation,instead he or she will preferably be able to select an arbitrary numberof operations. Similarly, the user will preferably not be limited to theselection of only one online service.

The information that uniquely identifies a user to an Internet site(e.g. logon information) and other sorts of information that is uniqueto an online service will preferably be provided automatically by theinstant invention through a contact module of the sort typicallyprovided by a web-desktop. The management of the web-desktop and thegraphical user interface of the instant invention will preferably becarried out by a server that also manages the user accounts of theindividual users of the web-desktop and that server also providesstorage space as requested.

The instant invention features an efficient approach to the problem ofmanaging many different data files in an online environment andadditionally features a preferred solution to the problem ofdistributing individual data files between multiple online services. Theend product of the instant invention, as well as the content of variousgraphical user interface menus, will be content dependent. That is,depending on the selected input file type, the instant inventionprovides the user with different editing operations specificallydirected to the selected data file type. Similarly, the optionsassociated with each online service will be customized for that serviceand will be selected according to the data file type.

According to a first preferred embodiment, the instant invention willbegin by requiring the user to login to a web-desktop. This willpreferably be accomplished by using a generic Internet browsingapplication (e.g., a browser hereinafter). The user will preferably beasked to login by providing a login name and password as is convenientlydone. After a successful login, the instant invention will preferablyprovide the browser with the information necessary to display theweb-desktop. In the next preferred step, the user will activate a filemanagement module that allows the user to select an input data file.After one or more data files have been selected, the instant inventionpreferably provides the user with menu options related to the creationof an automated procedure. In some preferred embodiments, this programoption will be displayed in the context menu of the file managementmodule besides generic file management options like “open”, “view”,“copy” and “delete”.

In a next preferred step, after selection of the “create automatedprocedure” option the instant invention will provide the user with agraphical user interface that varies depending on the elected input filetype. The graphical user interface will preferably offer two differentselection options. A first preferred menu option will allow the user tochoose actions or editing operations that are to be executed on theinput data file. A second option will preferably allow the user toselect an online service to which he or she wants to distribute inputdata file. The main components of the instant invention will preferablybe presented to the user as options within the graphical user interface.The data (e.g., icons) that fills the individual sections of thegraphical user interface will preferably be provided by the server thatcontrols the web-desktop environment. Preferably, the on-screen data andoperating information will be continually updated to keep the instantinvention up to date with technological developments. Updates that aredesigned to accommodate new or changed options within an online servicewill preferably be provided by the instant inventors and might bedistributed via the Internet or other communication networks.

As a next preferred step the user will preferably define the editingoperations or other actions that he or she wants to incorporate into theautomated procedure for subsequent operations on the data files of thesame file type. The editing operations, however, will preferably not beexecuted immediately, but rather will be stored within the server aspart of an automated content dependent procedure. The instant inventionpreferably collects login and other information from the user as theactions are specified and stores it either as part of a graphical objectrepresenting the automated procedure or internally as part of a futurecontext menu of the web-desktop. If the user has finished specifying thedesired editing operations, he or she will preferably indicate that factand the instant invention will then switch the graphical user interfaceto a selection menu that contains a list of the online services. Aspreviously mentioned, the type of the input data file will be used todetermine which online services will be displayed.

In a next preferred step, the user will preferably select the onlineservice or services which he or she wants to use when, for example,automatically processing data files of the same type as that of theinput file. That selection will then preferably be transferred to theserver and the server will store the transmitted information.Additionally, the instant invention will preferably collect login datafor the selected online service or services from a login data modulethat runs within web-desktop. Preferably this module will accumulatelogin information for each online service available for selection. Theinstant invention will preferably store the login data for the onlineservices together with the information about the selected onlineservices.

After the user has selected the online services, he or she willpreferably indicate that fact via the graphical user interface and theinstant invention will then create a graphical object on the web-desktopof the user. This object will contain or point to information about theinput file type, the desired editing operations and the online servicesto which a file of the same file type is to be distributed (including ifnecessary, the appropriate login user's name and password). The instantautomated content dependent procedure will preferably be visuallyrepresented by such a graphical object on the user's desktop.Additionally, the instant invention will preferably allow the user toopt for an integration of the procedure into the context menu of theweb-desktop environment. The visual representation of the graphicalobject will preferably be changeable by the user. The object may be anicon or a simple graphical object resembling a box, wherein the userwill be able to drop data files of the same file type.

Afterwards the user will preferably be able to execute the automatedprocedures type by simply moving individual files of the appropriatetype to the graphical object or by selecting a menu option from thecontext menu. The designated procedure will then be carried outautomatically and preferably without any notification to the user,except possibly for some sort of notice that the automated process hasbeen successfully completed. Of course, if errors occur during executionof the individual operations, the user will preferably also be informedof that fact. In such a case, the user will preferably be able to openthe previously created graphical object and diagnose/repair thecondition that resulted in the errors or remove the operations or onlineservices that gave rise to them. As an example, an error might begenerated if a particular online service is no longer available.

It should be clear that an approach such as this would be a tremendousaid to the user of a web-desktop or other application who wants toquickly and easily process one or more different data files. The instantinvention provides the user with a method of easily defining automatedcontent dependent procedures by using an approach that is driven by agraphical user interface whose content is dependent on the file type ofthe selected input data file. The method and system greatly simplifiesthe processing of multiple files of the same file type by providing theuser with a graphical object or entry in the context menu of the userenvironment that defines the editing instructions, the desired onlineservices, and the necessary login information for the online service.The editing instructions, the connection to the online server, and thefunctions connected with the online server will preferably be executedautomatically.

The instant method features an approach that allows the user to quicklygenerate processes which automate publication of multimedia data overthe Internet. Tasks that took many steps previously may be accomplishedin as few as two. The method features a content dependent approach. Thatis, after the input file has been selected—the actions that follow orare selectable will vary depending on the file type. The user will beguided by the graphical user interface of the instant invention throughthe whole process, wherein the menu options are provided automaticallyand according to the file type of the input data file. The user willselect the editing actions/operations and the online services where theywill be executed. Given these choices, the instant invention will thenpreferably provide the user with a customized graphical object or anaddition to a menu of the web-desktop environment.

The instant invention is designed to relieve the user of the problemstypically encountered when coping with multiple multimedia files indifferent formats which are to be distributed to multiple web sites forprinting, processing, etc. The instant invention is designed to assistthe user by helping him or her negotiate the various web sites that aredesigned to process multimedia data.

The foregoing has outlined in broad terms the more important features ofthe invention disclosed herein, so that the detailed description thatfollows may be more clearly understood, and so that the contribution ofthe instant inventors to the art may be better appreciated. The instantinvention is not limited in its application to the details of theconstruction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in thefollowing description or illustrated in the drawings. Rather theinvention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced andcarried out in various other ways not specifically enumerated herein.Additionally, the disclosure that follows is intended to apply to allalternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included withinthe spirit and the scope of the invention as defined by the appendedclaims. Further, it should be understood that the phraseology andterminology employed herein are for the purpose of description andshould not be regarded as limiting, unless the specificationspecifically so limits the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent uponreading the following detailed description and upon reference to thedrawings in which:

FIG. 1 depicts the general working environment of the instant invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates some key components of the instant invention and thecommunication links between these components.

FIG. 3 illustrates the graphical user interface of a typical web-desktopaccording to the instant invention as it might appear in a first phase.

FIG. 4 depicts a preferred graphical user interface of the instantinvention as it might appear in a second phase.

FIG. 5 illustrates a preferred graphical user interface of the instantinvention in a third phase.

FIG. 6 illustrates a preferred graphical user interface of the instantinvention in a fourth phase.

FIG. 7 contains a schematic illustration of some actions that aresourced from the automated process in the online environment.

FIG. 8 illustrates a preferred data flow between two participatingcomponents according to the instant invention.

FIG. 9 depicts a preferred data content of an automated procedure thatwas produced according to the instant invention.

FIG. 10 depicts a preferred flowchart of the instant invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, wherein the reference numerals indicatethe same parts throughout the several views, there is provided a systemand method for the creation of automated content dependent procedures inan online environment. The instant invention will preferably enable theuser to create automated procedures by using a graphical user interface,with the contents and selectable options displayed in the graphical userinterface being also content dependent. By creating this automatedprocedure the instant invention allows the user to automaticallyinitiate preselected actions, (including editing operations) and actionsrelating to the use of online services.

By way of general explanation and in accord with the preferredembodiment, it is to be understood that when the phrase “creation ofautomated content dependent procedures” is used herein that usage willpreferably be interpreted as providing a step-wise process that allows auser to construct an executable procedure that is customized dependingon the input file type(s) and that automates the user's interaction withone or more Internet-based services. The nature of the interaction willdepend on what sort of information and/or data (e.g., digital photo,video, etc.) is to be transferred to the service. Preferably, theautomated procedure will be customized to match the selected file type.Additionally, by executing a procedure of this sort, the user will beable to initiate automatic processing of specific file types quickly andefficiently.

For purposes of the instant embodiment it should be understood that theinvention preferably seeks to provide a process by which a user cancreate automated procedures that are appropriate for each sort ofsupported file type. The instant invention preferably provides the userwith a graphical user interface containing selection options for editingoperations/actions and specific online services—wherein the selectionoptions are specifically associated with a file type. The userinteraction will preferably be implemented as a step-wise processproviding the user with the necessary options to efficiently create theautomated procedure. The automated procedure might be, for example,integrated into the working environment of the web-desktop as aselectable command or as a graphical object.

Broadly speaking, the sorts of step that will preferably be automatedinclude specification of editing operations or actions which aredesigned to be applied to files of a particular type, login at a remotesite (including password, if required), and transmission of the files tothe remote site for processing there. By completing the process of theinstant invention, the user will be able to create an automatedprocedure whose instructions are preferably stored within theweb-desktop environment and will be automatically executed in the sameorder as the events that have been specified previously by the user. Thepreferred workflows and additional specifications regarding the instantinvention will be described in more detail below.

As is generally indicated in FIG. 1, at least a portion of the instantinvention will be implemented in form of software running on a userscomputer 100. Such a computer will have some amount of program memoryand hard disc storage (whether internal or accessible via a network) asis conventionally utilized by such units. Additionally it is possiblethat an external camera 110 of some sort be utilized with—and willpreferably be connectible to the computer so that video and/or graphicinformation can be transferred to and from the computer. Preferably thecamera 110 will be a digital video camera, although that is not arequirement, as it is contemplated that the user might wish to utilizestill images from a digital still camera in the creation of his or hermultimedia work. Further given the modern trend toward incorporation ofcameras into other electronic components (e.g. in handheld computers,telephones, laptops, etc.) those of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize that the camera might be integrated into the computer or someother electronic device and, thus, might not be a traditionalsingle-purposes video or still camera. Although the camera willpreferably be digital in nature, any sort of camera might be used,provided that the proper interfacing between it and the computer isutilized. Additionally a microphone 130 might be utilized so that theuser can add voice-over narration to a specific multimedia work or cancontrol his or her computer via voice-recognition software andadditionally a CD or DVD burner 120 could be useful for storing contenton writable or rewritable media. Additionally to that an Internet accessdevice 140, preferably a router, will be connected to the networkingcard contained in the computer to allow the user to get access to theInternet.

Turning next to FIG. 2, this figure illustrates typical participatingentities in an Internet-based web-desktop environment. As is indicatedin that figure, a local desktop computer 200 is connected to theInternet 220 via, for example dial-up, landline broadband (over coaxialcable, fibre optic or copper wires), Wi-Fi or satellite connection, etc.Although only a single desktop computer 200 is illustrated in FIG. 5, isshould be understood that many different desktop's and/or laptops, etc.,could be simultaneously performing the steps of the instant method.

In a preferred embodiment, the computer will connect to a server 210which is also connected to the Internet. As part of the process ofconnecting to the server, the user will typically be required toauthenticate himself or herself with the server 210 and the server 210will preferably provide the web-desktop graphical user interface 300 tothe user, which can be seen in greater detail in FIG. 3. The server 210will preferably manage and control the web-desktop (or otherapplication) environment, which is an important aspect of thefunctionality of the instant invention. The server 210 will preferablystore the login data 250 of each user which will typically be comprisedof passwords and user ids or similar user identification. Additionally,the server 210 might store other user-based information such as the lastlogin date, and time of the last login to the web-desktop, etc.Additionally, it should be noted that the illustration and display ofone computer in FIG. 2 is not meant to indicate a “one computer=oneuser” limitation of the instant invention. This illustration is mainlyused to visually suggest a general method of accessing the web-desktop.Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that it is certainlypossible that many users will be able to login from a single computer orfrom many different computers that are connected to the Internet.

Additionally, in a preferred arrangement the server 210 will storeuser-based data 260, for example user files, which might be textdocuments, digital image files, video clips or audio files, etc. Furtherthe server could also store settings related to the web-desktop of theuser, such as, for example, the on-screen location of individual iconsor the specifications of information feeds from the Internet. The servermight also store data related to program settings, for example logindata for different Internet-based services. Among the services that aresuitable for use with the instant invention are email services, photosharing services, file sharing environments in the Internet, etc.

As is generally suggested in FIG. 3, in a preferred embodiment a user ofthe instant invention will be presented with a computer screen display300. This figure illustrates how a web-desktop might appear. Note thatthe layout of web-desktops in general is similar to the visual layout ofstandard local desktops as they appear in current operating systems.Returning now to the description of FIG. 3, the web-desktop mightprovide controls for the playback of multimedia content 310 to the user.In addition, the user will preferably be provided with selectable icons320 which represent a variety of different applications of the sort thatare typically associated with web desktops.

Of course, many applications could be offered as an adjunct to theinstant invention. For example, the instant invention could provide amediaplayer application, a website editor application, a contactsapplication (wherein personal information of friends and colleagues maybe stored), etc. Additional applications might include an emailapplication, a chat application, a calendar application, etc. Of course,the previous listings of applications are not in any way intended tolimit the number of applications that might be available in aweb-desktop environment. It should be clear to someone of ordinary skillin the art that there are a vast number of possible applications thatmight be used within the constraints of a web-desktop environment.Further, the user might be provided with an easy access point to anInternet search engine 330. Finally, the web-desktop might contain menuitems that permit access to other applications 340 and that allow a userto configure the web-desktop 350 environment.

Turning next to FIG. 4, this figure illustrates how the screen of FIG. 3might appear after the user has initiated the process of the instantinvention by selecting an image file. The activities regarding theinstant invention will preferably be executed within the confinements ofa user's web-desktop 300. The user starts the preferred process byselecting a file via a file management application 410 of theweb-desktop which allows the user to browse a local or remote hard drive400. After the user has selected a file (e.g., via cursor 498), theinstant invention will preferably automatically determine its file typeand open the graphical user interface for the creation of the automatedprocedure 420. In some preferred embodiments, the automation window 420will be activated via selection of an appropriate menu item. Preferably,the graphical user interface will indicate the content type of theselected file 430 and will display a menu to the user that includesappropriate action steps that can be applied to that file type.

Next, the user will preferably select the operations 440 that he or shewants to apply to the selected file(s), image files in the example ofFIG. 4. The instant invention will preferably display a selectable listof editing operations appropriate for use with the selected file type.By way of example only, when an image file is selected the availableactions might be to automatically adjust the contrast 450 of that file,to automatically adjust the brightness 460 of that file, toautomatically adjust the color 470 of that file, to automatically fixred eye 480 problems of that file, to automatically adjust theorientation 490 of that file, etc. Preferably, the user will not beforced to select any particular operation. In fact he or she might electnot to use any of the editing operations. However, the user might alsobe allowed to select multiple editing operations.

If the user is satisfied with his or her selection, he or she willpreferably be permitted to jump to the next entry in the selection menuby signalling this to the graphical user interface (e.g., by selectingthe “done” 492 option). Additionally, if the user decides to stop thecreation process, that could be accomplished by selecting the “back” 494user control.

Turning next to FIG. 5, this figure illustrates the appearance of apreferred web-desktop of the instant invention after the user hasindicated that no more actions are to be added. Preferably, thegraphical user interface of the instant invention will automaticallyactivate the next menu, which will allow the user to select onlineservices 500 associated with the selected file type (e.g., onlineservices associated with image files in this figure). The instantinvention will preferably automatically populate the menu with theappropriate options. The user will preferably be allowed to select asingle online service, multiple online services or no online service atall. In the current example, the user is able to choose between theautomatic distribution of image files to Flickr 510, Picasaweb 520, anonline photo album 530 and/or to an online photo print service 540,service website accounts. The user will preferably be able to signifycompletion via the “done” user control 492. However, if the user wantsto return to the step of defining individual editing operations, he orshe can do so by activating the “back” user control 494. The instantinvention preferably dynamically stores each user's selection during thecreation process until the user notifies the instant invention that thatprocess is complete.

FIG. 6 illustrates a preferred last step in the creation process. Afterthe user selects of the online services, the graphical user interfacewill preferably switch to the next step which is the creation of theautomated procedure. The user will preferably be informed of the stepvia the graphical user interface and be given an opportunity to selecthow the procedure is to be created. The user will preferably have theoption to integrate the procedure 610 into the web-desktop menu or tocreate a graphical automation object 620. The “back” user control sendsthe user back to the previous step of the creation process. If the userdecides to create a graphical automation object the instant inventionmight create such an object, and place it automatically onto theweb-desktop 640. The description of the data content and structure ofthis automated procedure is discussed below in connection with thedescription of FIG. 9. If the user chooses to integrate this procedureinto the context menu, the settings of the web-desktop will be changedaccordingly and the automated procedure will be added to the contextmenu. Thus, this procedure will be available when the user selects afile of the file type for which the automated procedure has beencreated.

Now turning to FIG. 7, this figure illustrates in a general way the flowof data and data files that takes place when executing an automatedprocedure created by the instant invention. As is generally indicated inthis figure, in this embodiment the user will select a graphicalrepresentation of a data file of a particular file type 700. Preferably,the user will use mouse and keyboard to move the data file onto thegraphical object that represents the automated procedure. In the currentexample, automated procedure contains instructions to automaticallycorrect contrast, color and red eye problems 720 in any digital imagefile that is used with the automated procedure. In this case, theautomated procedure connects to a digital photo editing module 730 viathe web-desktop and initiates the previously defined editing operations.

With respect to the online services, the automated procedure preferablyconnects to a login data module 740 of the web-desktop and gathers thelogin data for the selected online services. This data gathering canalso be initiated dynamically from within an automated procedure, but itmight also be the case that the necessary login information will bestored along with the editing operations or online services. In thepresent example, the automated procedure will utilize two onlineservices, the online photo album 750 and the photo print service 760.The instant procedure will automatically log in and distribute theselected data file to these services. The actions illustrated in FIG. 7are customized to show what an automated procedure might look like for adigital photo file. Of course, the instant invention is not limited toprocessing images files. A digital photo file is used only for purposeof illustration. As another example, a text document could be subjectedto a grammar check and the online service might be the business documentserver to which the document is transferred. Regarding digital musicfiles and digital video files, similar automated procedures are alsopossible.

FIG. 8 illustrates a preferred data flow between a user's computer thathosts the web-desktop 800 and the server 805 that manages theweb-desktop environment. In a preferred arrangement, the user will login to the web-server 810 using his or her login data, which willpreferably be stored within the server 815 and where the entered logindata is compared to the stored login data. The server will preferablyload the user's desktop preferences (icon placement, definition offeeds, etc.) 820 and these preferences will then be applied to thedisplay of the web-desktop 825 on the user side. In the next step, theuser will select a data file of a certain file type 830 and the instantinvention will detect that file type (step 835).

Given the file type, the instant invention will preferably display thegraphical user interface associated with that type of file. Preferably,a first selection menu will display a number of editing operations 840associated with the selected file type. The user will select the actionsthat he or she wants to incorporate into the automated procedure 845 andthe server will preferably automatically store the selections 850. Ifthe user signals that the selection process is complete, the instantinvention will preferably display the selectable online services 855.The user will select the desired online services 860 and the instantinvention will preferably dynamically store the selection within theserver 865. The necessary login data 870 will preferably be obtainedfrom a login data module desktop and this information will alsopreferably be stored dynamically. If the user signals that the creationprocess is ended 875, the instant invention will preferably store theautomation object on the web-desktop of the user and integrate thedynamically stored data into that graphic automation object 880 or intothe context menu of the web-desktop environment.

Now turning to FIG. 9, this figure illustrates the preferred datacontent of an automated procedure 900, and the preferred actionsexecuted or initiated thereby. The automated procedure will preferablycontain an indication of the file type 905 for which the automatedprocedure has been created. Additionally, at run time, the procedurewill also contain information about the file that is to be processed 910(e.g., a file name). Additionally, the procedure 900 will preferablyhave a section that contains the actions or editing operations 915,which in the present example include instructions to initiate anautomatic correction of contrast 920 and color 925. The automatedprocedure will also preferably contain a data section that containsinformation related to the online services 930. The online services inthe present example contain instructions to distribute the selected fileto two different online services, Flickr® 935 and Picasaweb® 945. In apreferred arrangement, the login data 940 for both online services willbe stored together with the instructions for connecting thereto (e.g., aURL and a login sequence). The steps associated with the execution ofthe desired actions and selected online services are also illustrated inFIG. 9. In this example, the instant invention connects to the API ofthe photo editing program module integrated into the web-desktop 950 andinitiates the desired editing operation 955. The order of the steps thatone performed when implementing the actions in connection with theonline services is similar. The instant invention preferably connects tothe API of the online services 960 using the login data provided. Then,continuing with the example of FIG. 9, the currently selected file willbe uploaded to the online services 965.

FIG. 10 contains a preferred workflow of the instant invention. As afirst preferred step the user, who has which is already logged in to hisor her web-desktop, selects a file 1000 that is accessible via hisweb-desktop. It should be noted that, although the preferred embodimentbegins by selecting a particular computer file (step 1000) which is tobe subsequently processed, this step is not strictly required and theinstant method could very well have begun with the selection of a filetype (step 1010). What is important for the steps that follow step 1000is knowledge of the file type and that information standing alone (i.e.,without being associated with a particular file) is sufficient in someembodiments to create an automated procedure.

In the next preferred step, the instant invention determines the filetype of the selected file 1010. Those of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize that any computer file type might potentially be used inconnection with the instant invention. For example, and not by way oflimitation, graphics file types (e.g., JPEG, TIFF, BMP, etc.), videofile types (e.g., AVI, MPEG, etc.), audio file types (e.g., MP3, WAV,etc.), word processing file types (DOC, WP, TXT, RTF, etc.), spreadsheetfile types (e.g., XLS) could all potentially be used depending on theneeds of the user and the services available.

Next, the instant method will preferably ask the user to select from acompiled list of the editing operations and/or actions 1020 associatedwith the selected file type. Obviously, and as has been discussedpreviously, the list of applicable actions and editing operations(collectively “operations”, hereinafter) that will be presented to theuser will be dependent on the type of file that has been selected. Notethat among the operations that might be selected (in addition to filetype-specific editing operations) include upload, download, copy,delete, etc.

In a preferred next step, the user will preferably define and selectactions/editing operations from the list 1030. As has been discussedpreviously, the operations that will be offered depend on the type offile that has been selected. For example, if the selected file type is agraphics file, operations such as resizing, color correcting/enhancing,resolution change, color printing, posting on the Internet (e.g., viaFlikr and similar image posting sites), format change (e.g., JPEG toTIFF), etc., might all be potential operation candidates. If the filetype is video, the operations could include functions such as colorbalancing, audio levelling (i.e., reducing the dynamic range of theaudio track), resolution change (increase or decrease), format change(e.g., to/from NTSC to HD), etc. If the file type is word processing theoperations could include such functions as printing, grammar/spellchecking, etc.

This processing being continued until the user is satisfied with his orher selection 1040.

In the next step, the instant invention will preferably display one ormore online services to the user 1050, wherein the online services willalso be presented according to the defined file type. The user will thenselect the desired online services 1060 until he or she completes theselection 1070 process. The necessary login data for each of theselected online services will preferably be read (if it was storedpreviously) or acquired from the user. Additionally, the menu choicesand other options utilized by the selected service will need to be read(if these options were stored previously), downloaded (e.g., from aservice that provides regularly updated syntax information for aservice, downloaded the service itself, etc.) or acquired from the user(by, for example, watching the user while he or she completes atransaction of the type contemplated) (step 1080). For purposes of theinstant disclosure, the “protocol” of a service will refer to aservice's login procedure (if any) and its internal menu structure,which will likely differ depending on the file type that is to beprocessed. In the last preferred step, the instant invention willpreferably create a graphic object representing the automated contentdependent procedure 1090.

CONCLUSIONS

Of course, many modifications and extensions could be made to theinstant invention by those of ordinary skill in the art. For example inone preferred embodiment it will be possible to combine the individualfile type dependent steps and selections in one graphic object, which,for example, automatically processes digital photo and digital videofiles or creates a video file from multiple digital photo files.Additionally, it might be possible to implement a multi-user approach,which automatically notifies entries in the contact database which havebeen related by the user.

Thus, the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objects andattain the ends and advantages mentioned above as well as those inherenttherein. While the inventive device has been described and illustratedherein by reference to certain preferred embodiments in relation to thedrawings attached thereto, various changes and further modifications,apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be made therein by thoseskilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the inventiveconcept the scope of which is to be determined by the following claims.

1. A method of automating a transaction with a website, wherein areprovided a plurality of service websites accessible via the Internet,each of said service websites having a protocol associated therewith,and each of said service websites accepting at least one digital filetype via the Internet and acting thereon, comprising the steps of: (a)establishing a network connection between a computer and a remoteserver, said remote server at least for hosting a web desktop; (b)displaying said web desktop on a display device, said display devicebeing in electronic communication with said computer; (c) selecting acomputer file type; (d) determining at least one operation applicable tosaid computer file type; (e) choosing at least one operation from saidat least one operation applicable to said computer file type; (f) usingat least said computer file type to choose a service website, whereinsaid chosen service website can perform at least said chosen at leastone operation; (g) choosing a service website; (h) obtaining a chosenprotocol for said chosen service website; (i) storing on a computerreadable medium a representation of said selected computer file type, arepresentation of said chosen at least one operation, a representationof said chosen service website, and a representation of said chosenprotocol for said chosen service website, thereby storing a contentdependent procedure; (j) storing on said web desktop an automation iconrepresentative of said stored content dependent procedure, therebyautomating a transaction with said chosen service website; and, (k)displaying on said display device said web desktop and said automationicon.
 2. A method of automating a transaction with a website accordingto claim 1, wherein step (c) comprises the steps of: (c1) selecting afirst computer file, and, (c2) determining a file type of said firstcomputer file, thereby selecting a computer file type.
 3. A method ofautomating a transaction with a website according to claim 1, furthercomprising the step of: (l) selecting a second computer file, whereinsaid second computer file has a same file type as said computer filetype; (m) establishing a network connection with said chosen servicewebsite; and, (n) using said automation icon together with said secondcomputer file to activate said stored content dependent procedure,thereby using said protocol with said chosen service website to performsaid chosen at least one operation on said second computer file.
 4. Amethod of automating a transaction with a website according to claim 3,wherein step (n) comprises the step of: (n1) selecting an iconrepresentative of said second computer file, (n2) within said webdesktop, dragging said icon representative of said second computer fileproximate to said automation icon, (n3) dropping said iconrepresentative of said second computer file on said automation icon,thereby activating said stored content dependent procedure and usingsaid protocol with said chosen service website to perform said chosen atleast one operation on said second computer file.
 5. A method ofautomating a transaction with a remote website according to claim 1,wherein said computer file type is selected from a group consisting of agraphic file type, a video file type, an audio file type, a wordprocessing file type, and a spreadsheet file type.
 6. A method ofautomating a transaction with a remote website according to claim 5,wherein said computer file type is said graphic file type and whereinsaid chosen at least one operation of step (e) is selected from a groupconsisting of a resolution change operation, a resize operation, an autocontrast operation, an auto red eye removal operation, and an auto coloroperation.
 7. A method of automating a transaction with a remote websiteaccording to claim 1, wherein said chosen protocol for said chosenwebsite comprises a login name, a password, and a menu structure of saidchosen website.
 8. A method of automating a transaction with a remotewebsite according to claim 1, wherein step (i) comprises the step of:(i1) storing on said remote server a representation of said selectedcomputer file type, a representation of said chosen at least oneoperation, a representation of said chosen service website, and arepresentation of said chosen protocol for said chosen service website,thereby storing a content dependent procedure; and,
 9. A method ofautomating a transaction with a plurality of websites, wherein areprovided a plurality of service websites accessible via the Internet,each of said service websites having a protocol associated therewith,and each of said service websites accepting at least one digital filetype via the Internet and acting thereon, comprising the steps of: (a)establishing a first network connection between a computer and a remoteserver, said remote server at least for hosting a web desktop; (b)displaying said web desktop on a display device, said display devicebeing in electronic communication with said computer; (c) selecting acomputer file type; (d) determining at least one operation applicable tosaid computer file type; (e) choosing at least one operation from saidat least one operation applicable to said computer file type; (f) usingat least said computer file type to select a plurality of servicewebsites, wherein each of said selected plurality of websites can atleast perform said chosen at least one operation; (g) choosing aplurality of service websites from among said selected plurality ofservice websites; (h) obtaining a chosen protocol for each of saidchosen plurality of service websites; (i) storing on a computer readablemedium a representation of said selected computer file type, arepresentation of said chosen at least one operation, a representationof said chosen plurality of service websites, and a representation ofsaid chosen protocol for each of said chosen plurality of servicewebsites, thereby storing a content dependent procedure; and, (j)storing on said web desktop an automation icon representative of saidstored content dependent procedure, thereby automating a transactionwith said chosen service website; and, (k) displaying said automationicon and said web desktop on said display device.
 10. A method ofautomating a transaction with a website according to claim 9, whereinstep (c) comprises the steps of: (c1) selecting a first computer file,and, (c2) determining a file type of said first computer file, therebyselecting a computer file type.
 11. A method of automating a transactionwith a website according to claim 9, further comprising the step of: (l)selecting a second computer file, wherein said second computer file hasa same file type as said computer file type; (m) establishing a networkconnection with said chosen service website; and, (n) using saidautomation icon together with said second computer file to activate saidstored content dependent procedure, thereby using said chosen protocolfor each of said chosen plurality of service websites to perform saidchosen at least one operation on said second computer file.
 12. A methodof automating a transaction with a website according to claim 11,wherein step (n) comprises the step of: (n1) selecting an iconrepresentative of said second computer file, (n2) within said desktop,dragging said icon representative of said second computer file proximateto said automation icon, (n3) dropping said icon representative of saidsecond computer file on said automation icon, thereby activating saidstored content dependent procedure, and thereby using said chosenprotocol for each of said chosen plurality of service websites toperform said chosen at least one operation on said second computer file.13. A method of automating a transaction with a remote website accordingto claim 9, wherein said computer file type is selected from a groupconsisting of a graphic file type, a video file type, an audio filetype, a word processing file type, and a spreadsheet file type.
 14. Amethod of automating a transaction with a remote website according toclaim 13, wherein said computer file type is said graphic file type andwherein chosen at least one operation of step (e) is selected from agroup consisting of a resolution change operation, a resize operation,an auto contrast operation, an auto red eye removal operation, and anauto color operation.
 15. A method of automating a transaction with aremote website according to claim 9, wherein said chosen protocol forsaid chosen website comprises a login name, a password, a menu structureof said chosen website.
 16. A method of creating automated proceduresfor publication of multimedia data over the Internet, comprising thesteps of: (a) establishing a network connection between a computer and aremote server, said remote server at least for hosting a web desktop;(b) displaying said web desktop on a first display device, said displaydevice being in electronic communication with said computer; (c)selecting a computer file; (d) determining a type of said computer file,thereby determining a computer file type; (e) determining at least oneoperation applicable to said computer file type; (f) choosing at leastone operation from said at least one operation applicable to saidcomputer file type; (g) using at least said computer file type to selectone or more of said plurality of service websites, wherein each of saidselected one or more of said service websites can at least perform saidchosen at least one operation; (h) presenting said selected one or moreservice websites to a user using said display device; (i) allowing auser to choose at least one of said at least one presented selected oneor more service websites, thereby obtaining at least one chosen servicewebsite; (j) obtaining a chosen protocol for each of said chosen atleast one service website; (k) storing on a computer readable medium arepresentation of said selected computer file type, a representation ofsaid chosen at least one operation, a representation of said chosen atleast one service website, and a representation of said chosen protocolfor each of said chosen at least one service websites, thereby storing acontent dependent procedure; (l) placing on said desktop an automationicon representative of said stored content dependent procedure; and, (m)displaying on said first display device said placed automation icon.